One-pot four-component assembly for diselenocarbamates

A one-pot four-component synthesis of diselenocarbamates was established from the combination of diselanes, selenium powder, chloroform and amines under mild conditions. A total of 36 diselenocarbamates were achieved in a straightforward manner in up to 91% yield. The zwitterionic intermediate [R2R3NCHCl]+Cl-, formed from chloroform and amine in the presence of a base, was captured by diselane via nucleophilic substitution to afford the intermediate [R2R3NCHSeR1]+Cl-. With the help of a base, the desired diselenocarbamate was successfully achieved through a carbene intermediate [(R2R3N)(SeR1)C:] with selenium powder.